life-threatening

adjective

life-threat·​en·​ing ˈlīf-ˌthre-tᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce life-threatening (audio)
-ˌthret-niŋ
: capable of causing death : potentially fatal
a life-threatening disease/condition
The injuries are serious but not life-threatening.

Examples of life-threatening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The disease can affect the colon and rectum and can weaken the body, leading to possible life-threatening complications. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025 The driver and her five passengers suffered serious, possibly life-threatening injuries, according to state police. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 17 Jan. 2025 Almost all states have programs that allow early release for inmates with serious or life-threatening medical conditions. Sarah Kliff, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025 Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Daniel More, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for life-threatening 

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of life-threatening was in 1759

Dictionary Entries Near life-threatening

Cite this Entry

“Life-threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life-threatening. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

life-threatening

adjective
life-threat·​en·​ing ˈlīf-ˌthret-ən-iŋ How to pronounce life-threatening (audio)
: capable of causing death : potentially fatal
life-threatening injuries
a life-threatening allergic reaction
life-threatening arrhythmia
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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